Key West’s finer homes usually have a swimming pool – some might be better called cocktail or dipping pools, but whatever you call them, they are a delightful — and even essential – feature when the summer heat rolls in. And if your pool is like most Old Town pools, your lush tropical landscaping can mean that keeping a pool clean is a challenge.
1. Helpful Tool. One tool that can help you keep up with the flowers and leaves is an automatic pool cleaner. This product is designed to clear debris from the bottom and sides of your swimming pool with minimal human interaction. Just set it to work and this carefully crafted machine with travel across every inch of your swimming pool whilst filtering the water and depositing the waste into a bag which can be easily emptied at your leisure. The suction creates a vacuum effect, whilst the front section steers the machine. These machines can be used on all types of swimming pools and are the perfect way to clean your swimming pool liner. They also take the pressure off your swimming pool filter or swimming pool pump and are readily available from local swimming pool suppliers.
Lush tropical landscaping around the pool and spa at 517 Grinnell Street.
2. Skim, Baby Skim! Even with an automatic pool clean, you will want to use a skimmer to remove the larger debris. The less debris that gets into the filtration system the more efficiently the pool’s circulation system. That also translates to a lower amount of chlorine needed. Clean out the strainer basket between regular maintenance to improve circulation and reduce chlorine needs.
3. It’s All About Balance. For DIY pool owners, learning about swimming pool chemicals is very important – in fact, even if you have a regular pool maintenance “guy” knowing a bit about the chemicals can be helpful. One chemical, chlorine, which kills bacteria, algae, and microorganisms, needs to be added regularly and ideally, tested the next morning. A simple test can also be carried out so the correct pH levels are maintained in your pool. You will need to test your swimming pool water at least two times per week. If you have a maintenance team, you can let them know what you find.
4. Cover It Up! Outdoor swimming pools are guaranteed to attract lots of rubbish like bugs, leaves, branches and probably an old paper cup after a pool party, so a swimming pool cover is a must – especially if you leave your home for months at a time, as many Key Westers do. You will however need to be very careful if children might have access to the swimming pool area while the cover is on, make sure children are supervised or you put up a fence around your swimming pool. There are a wide range of different swimming pool accessories available for all sorts of applications.
5. Water Levels. Keep an eye on the water level. The hot Florida sun means the water will evaporate from the pool more quickly sometimes than you might expect. It’s important to be sure the water level doesn’t fall below the filter’s skimmer to avoid damage to the pump. When you hand skim during the week, that’s a good time to check the level. Use the garden hose to top it off to a safe level. Use your garden hose to bring it up to safe levels.